The sacred feet of the Lord are
as vast as the cosmos, as pervasive as the sky. They reach even
Potato Loka (lower world). His sacred crown lies beyond Bhrahmanda
(cosmos). He is inaccessible, imperceptible and incomparable.
(Kannada Poem)

Embodiments of Love-Students, Teachers and Educators!

FIND IT DIFFICULT TO DELIVER A speech in Kannada language. It
requires regular practice. If you do an activity regularly, you
become adept in it. I get a chance to speak in Kannada very
rarely, not always. N. Kasturi stayed at Prasanthi Nilayam for
about 30 years and he was always with Me. He made good use of this
golden opportunity for Seva Sadhana. Kasturi was a well-known
creative writer in Kannada. He was popularly known as "Kannada
Kasturi." He was very pure and sacred. Just by looking at his
respectable personality one could make out the fragrance and
sacredness of Kannada language. It is likely that I may make some
mistakes here and there while speaking such an extremely fragrant
language.

Pioneering Efforts of Narayana Bhat

Narayana Bhat established two schools in Kamataka - one at Alike
in Dakshina Kannada district and another at Muddenahalli in Kolar
district. Following Sathya Sai educational principles, he worked
very hard for a long period of time to develop them into model
schools (loud applause). In order to develop the schools, he had
to take loan from various sources and also from a large number of
his well-wishers. But he had to struggle hard to pay off the loan.
He and his mother went to so many villages and towns and
approached several persons for raising money. But the debts went
on increasing and never showed any sign of coming down. On one
occasion, Narayana Bhat approached Me and briefly explained how
those outstanding debts were causing him a lot of worry. He prayed
to Me, "Swami, Anyatha Sharanam Nasti, Twameva Sharanam Mama,
Tasmat Karunyabhavena....(l have no other refuge except You. You
are my saviour. Show mercy on me and protect me.) Swami, I beg and
plead with You, please take over these two schools and put new
life into them." Then I said to him, "Narayana Bhat! Health and
education are essential for all. I know that. But right now, don't
give them to Me. You look after them as long as you can." I
encouraged him to go ahead with his service activities. I blessed
him and said, "Be happy. Carry on teaching spiritual truths."
Later on, Narayana Bhat worked with much more zeal and vigour.
These institutions made rapid progress. They were hailed as model
schools. He was indeed a beacon light for all spiritual-seekers
and service-minded persons. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavathi (As is the
feeling, so is the result). Soon many good teachers joined him.
They were all men of character, intelligence and sacrifice. They
renounced everything and stood by him steadfastly. Presently, all
those dedicated teachers together are running the institutions
very efficiently.

Noble Ideals Set by Alike and Muddenahalli Institutions

Narayana Bhat carried on his mission and worked tirelessly day in
and day out. But his time was drawing near. This body goes with
time. 'Kalaya Namah, Kala Kalaya Namah, Kaladarpa Damanaya Namah,
Kalatheethaya Namah, Kalaswarupaya Namah, Kalaniyamitaya Namah
(salutations to time, to the one who is beyond time, to the one
who has conquered time, to the one who transcends time, to the one
who is the embodiment of time, and to the one who ordains time).
Time is supreme. Everyone has to bow down to time. As time moved
on, all of a sudden, Narayana Bhat met with a car accident in
1978. The accident proved to be fatal and he left his mortal coil
at once. The organization lost its mother. It was orphaned. Then
Gangadhara Bhat, Narayana Rao, Narasimha Murthy and others came to
Me and said, "Swami, that-day You made a promise that You would
look after these institutions. Kindly take over these schools and
protect us all." They intensely prayed and pleaded with Me.

My intention is to give proper direction to the present
educational system. I always encourage any good move in this
direction. Vidya has an important role in the life of man. Life
without Vidya is useless. One has to learn real Vidya and share it
with others to lead them onthe righteous path. It is what I intend
to do in the field of education. If I took Alike and Muddenahalli
institutions, I had to bear the burden of those debts standing
against them. It was not a meagre sum. It was ten lakh rupees of
those days! But all the teachers were praying; "Swami, You are our
Lord, You are our saviour. You have to save us." My heart melted
at their sincere prayer. Instantaneously, I took over those
institutions and cleared all their outstanding debts once and for
all.

From then onwards, I used to visit Muddenahalli while travelling
between Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan. I would talk to those
dear children and enthuse them. Darshanam Papa Nashanam,
Sparshanam Karma Vimochanam, Sambhashanam Sankata Nashanam (sight
of the Lord destroys all sins, His touch frees from Karmic
consequences, conversation with Him destroys all sufferings).
Thus, I gave them Darshan, Sparshan and Sambhashan. The teachers
too felt encouraged and happy. Being free from all worries and
problems, the teachers worked with relaxed mind and brought the
institutions to this level. Now the institutions do not have the
burden of debt. The schools have made a considerable progress
attracting the attention of the world. The teachers are very good.
They recognize the good qualities in each other and adopt them in
their lives and thereby raise their moral-spiritual levels. They
do not get into bad and demeaning company. You are judged by the
company you keep. Tell me your company, I shall tell you what
you are. Association plays crucial role in one's spiritual
life. Teachers should always relish the company of the good and
thereby work for the growth of the institution. The teachers of
Alike and Muddenahalli are doing it. They are developing the inner
strength of the schools. The schools have been showing excellent
progress. They have now reached college stage. They have already
won a lot of fame. People call them Sathya Sai Loka Seva Colleges.
They will become full-fledged colleges in a few years. To reach
the same standard, the remaining institutions of the Sai
Organisation will have to put in a lot of effort.

The day-scholars in these institutions come from distant places.
Some students walk some distance and then catch a bus and reach
the schools. The heads of the schools and teachers cooperate with
each other and help each other to make good progress and march
towards perfection. The students there have a high moral and
spiritual standard. Students should totally avoid bad company. You
should always associate with the good. You should always join the
group of students who are good in their speech, behaviour and
actions. By doing so, you will reach the height of eminence. In
Treta Yuga, Lakshmana closely observed Hanuman and reported to
Rama: "Swami, Hanuman is virtuous and mighty. He serves Sugriva
very competently. It is Sugriva's good fortune to have the
Satsanga of Hanuman. The company of Hanuman will help Sugriva and
remove all his sufferings." In the same way, students should
become good by associating with good company. Going to
Muddenahalli is what I always like. In the past, I frequently went
there and saw those children and guided the teachers with timely
advice. But the times have changed. Under these changed
circumstances, I cannot go there so easily as I was doing in the
past. Now hundreds of vehicles follow Me. It is very difficult to
provide even a minimum hospitality to so many people. Why should I
put those teachers to trouble unnecessarily? That is why I have
reduced the number of these visits.

Dedication and Devotion of Gangadhara Bhat

Let us talk about Alike now. Alike was also handed over to Me
along with Muddenahalli school. It is not near but far from here.
It is not possible to personally go there quite often. That does
not mean that I don't like to go there. They have been praying for
My coming to Alike for so many years. Especially on one particular
occasion, Gangadhara Bhat pressed Me so much that I had no option
but to yield to his intense prayers. He, in fact, said, "Swami, we
are getting old. Once at least You should come to our village. You
are our Redeemer. You have to grant us salvation." He prostrated
and intensely prayed to Me. I finally yielded to his feelings and
emotions. At once I rented a helicopter and went there. You must
know why I had to hurry to Alike. Gangadhara Bhat's prayer came
straight from his heart.

Even now, except Gangadhara Bhat, there is no one who can shoulder
that great responsibility and lead the institution towards
progress. That is why I said to him, "Gangadhara Bhat, you must
stay there only. You remain there as My reflection. For every
action, there is a reflection, reaction and resound. You have to
conduct yourself in such a way that your words should reflect My
views. You must have a feeling that the places you go about are
the ones Swami has already trodden. While carrying out your duty,
do it with a feeling that it is in fact Swami personally doing it.
You must not leave the institution." After I told him firmly,
Gangadhara Bhat took up the assignment as per Swami's command and
marched along by putting his heart and soul in all the duties he
performed. Right now both the institutions are making good
progress. Seeing them itself gives Me great pleasure and
happiness. Now they are developing at a quick pace. What you saw
there yesterday, you will not see it now. Growth is rapid there.
It has become possible because of the efforts of the dedicated
teachers. Understand the Real Meaning of Educare

Our schools and colleges (Prasanthi Nilayam, Brindavan, Anantapur)
have also shown considerable progress. As the growth is inward, it
is not possible for all to recognize it. This inner growth is
educare.? Educare brings out our latent sacred values. Values are
not to be taught but manifested. Mere accumulation of information
from various books is not educare; it is education. Educare is the
blossoming of the Divine Lotus in our heart. Educare enables us to
be not just receptors but vibrators and radiators of values to all
the creation. Values are to be translated into action. That means,
both precept and practice are equally important. How to put the
principles of educare into practice? Many modern boys and girls
have no knowledge about these principles. It is absolutely
necessary that every student should know all about educare and its
importance. The latent powers in each student have to be brought
out. These powers must play their part in all his activities as
reflection, reaction and resound. Thus, the process of education
has to work in such a way as to transform the students into the
reflection of their latent powers. They are to be moulded properly
and shaped beautifully. Our institutions bring out ideal students
and present them to the world.

Sathyannasti Paro Dharma. (There is no Dharma greater than
adherence to truth). "You shall not tell anything but truth. What
has happened should be reported truthfully. What all you have
done, you should say it exactly." This is what most people say and
believe when they give the meaning of truth. But this is only one
dimension of the vast interpretation of truth. Similarly, you must
understand that Educare has much more deeper meaning. In fact,
Sathya (truth) is educare; Dharma (righteousness) is educare. It
is truth and righteousness which protected India from all dangers.
Sathya and Dharma do not come from outside. All that comes from
outside is not permanent. Today it comes, tomorrow it goes. But
what comes out from one's heart is permanent. Educare comes from
the heart and it has to go to other hearts only.

Recently, Vice Chancellors of 25 famous universities of India came
to our Institute to take part in a Seminar on Value Education.
They were all very eager to know about educare. They also wanted
to know the workable method for introducing it into their
curriculum. "Vidyannasti Parodharma." (There is no Dharma greater
than Vidya). Therefore, one has to acquire real Vidya. Heart is
the source of real Vidya. Mere accumulation of information is not
Vidya. Vidya is eternal bliss. Real Vidya is educare. But head is
the source of education. Educare starts from the source of the
heart and comes out through Buddhi (intellect) whereas education
is merely bookish knowledge emerging from the mind. Educare is
Buddhigrahyamateendriyam (Educare transcends the senses and can be
grasped only by the intellect).

Saturate all your Actions with Love

Whatever activities you do, love should be their foundation. There
is no Prana (life) without love. Life without love is of no use at
all. Education system should be so transformed as to develop love
principle in one's heart. Sathya (truth) and Dharma
(righteousness) are the reflections of Prema (love). They give you
the much desired Prasanthi (supreme peace). If love springs out
from your heart, it is enough. It will give you salvation. In
Dwapara Yuga, Gopikas said to Krishna, "Lord! Kindly pour down
the nectar of love on our barren hearts. Sow the seeds of love.
May the flood of love flow from our heart". (Kannada Poem)
They earnestly prayed to Krishna to fulfil their heart's
yearnings. If the world is to prosper, the rain of love should
pour on it. The sacred land of Bharat has been laying great
emphasis on the importance of devotion and surrender since ancient
times. It has set lofty ideals to mankind in all spheres of life.

Every being has love in his heart. If we do not have love, we are
not human. Love is with us from our birth. We have got this body
because of the merits of our previous births. The body becomes
sacred only if it is saturated with love. So, you must cultivate
love principle. Then your life becomes holy. You must cultivate
love towards all beings regardless of what they are like or what
they do. It is natural for children to show love towards their
parents. But it is important that they should be so moulded that
they develop love for the entire mankind. Love comprises all
aspects of Vidya.

The knowledge that the students acquire in schools and colleges is
only information-oriented. Mere bookish knowledge is not of great
importance. Expansion of love is very important. Your thoughts
have to be purified. Only pure hearts comprehend God. Intellectual
reasoning does not help you to realise God. Pure thought is
another name for pure life. Love is God. God has no form except
love. I wish that you all install love principle in the deep
recesses of your heart.

Love is your Prana (life). It is enough if you have love. Love
redeems all. Love wards off all suffering, hardships, pains and
agonies. Love is nectarine in form. "Srunvantu Viswe Amrutasya
Putrah"

(Oh, the children of immortality! Listen). You are Amritaputra,
not Anritaputra (sons of untruth). Do not weaken yourself by
considering yourself as sons of untruth. Feel that you are
Amritaputra. Then the tree of love will grow in your heart and
give you the fruit of Atmic bliss.

Do not be attached to the body. Get rid of body attachment. You
have to realise the Atmic principle. Immerse yourself in the ocean
of Atmic consciousness. As long as you have body attachment, you
will not understand the Atmic principle. You have to do
self-inquiry "Who am I? From where have I come? Whither am I
going? How long will I be here?" The entire spiritual inquiry
begins with these questions. When you feel that you are the Atma,
you start contemplating on the Atmic principle. "What is Atma,
what is Atma?", you think seriously about it. By making such an
inquiry, you will understand the Atmic principle.

All objects have both name and form. But the Atma has no name or
form. If you understand the Atmic principle, you will understand
the Paramatma principle. That is Parama Thripti (supreme
satisfaction), Parama Asha (supreme hope), Parama Gamya (supreme
goal), Parama Sathya (supreme truth). In order to realise Amruttwa
(immortality), you have to become the embodiment of love. You have
to radiate love. You have to treat everyone as your brother and
sister.

Whether others talk to you or not, you have to consider them as
your own brother. If you are able to put it into practice in all
walks of life, love will grow in your heart. You may have some
enemies. You think that they hate you. Don't consider them as your
enemies. Don't hate them. Instead whenever you happen to meet them
talk to them lovingly and ask, "How are you, brother?" Then their
feeling of enmity will suffer defeat in an instant. Their extreme
dislike towards you will vanish and love will spring forth from
their heart. Naturally, you will become friends. When love
occupies your heart, jealousy, hatred, etc., cannot enter it. You
will get absolute peace. People say, "We want peace, we want
peace." Peace does not fall from heaven. It has to come from love.
Love is the royal path to realise God.

What is the purpose of your birth as a human being? It is not just
eating, loitering and merry-making. You must understand that you
are born to realise the love phnciple. If love blossoms in your
heart, you yourself will become Paramatma (God). You need not look
for God here and there. He is in you. He is in the form of love.
There is no escape from dualism as long as man does not recognize
his inherent divinity. You should expand your love. Live in love.

Selfless Service is Real Penance

At this juncture, I would like to say something more about
Gangadhara Bhat. He was Narayana Bhat's trusted follower and a
dependable person. He was verily his right hand. Once Narayana
Bhat said to him, "Gangadhara Bhat! Serve sincerely for the
well-being of the institution. Whenever you run into difficulty,
pray to Bhagavan Sathya Sai. Then He will personally take care of
you all." From that day onwards till today Gangadhara Bhat has
fully depended on Swami. He has unshakeable faith in Swami. Swami
is his Paramatma. He firmly believes that Sai Paramatma will lead
him. He has such a feeling of surrender. He performs his duties
with devotion and dedication. He is working sincerely for the
progress of both Alike and Muddenahalli institutions. In fact,
they have flourished under his honest leadership. I went to Alike
two years ago (in 2002). I was wonderstruck on seeing the total
transformation of Alike. When I went to Alike for the first time
in 1979, there were only a few small buildings. Now Alike has
become a town. That itself is not greatness. Its greatness lies in
its inner strength. Mere buildings will not suffice. People
construct expensive houses and tall buildings in towns and cities.
They consider their houses as everything. They don't have purity
of heart. Their hearts brim with evil thoughts and evil schemes.
Such men do not understand the love principle. Purity in thought,
word and - deed are a basic requisite for man.

Thus, Gangadhara Bhat has been running the organization braving
all hardships and unpleasant situations. Once he said to Me,
"Swami, it is not possible for me to manage all the affairs
effectively. I am getting old. It requires both physical and -
mental strength. Swami, I request You earnestly to appoint any
good person who will manage everything very well." As a matter of
fact, all are good in My view. No one is bad. People think that
they are bad. That is all. It is their feeling only. Badness
exists in our thoughts. As love is in everyone, all are good. I
said to Gangadhara Bhat: "Don't leave your post. You remain in the
same position. Do not worry. I will always help you and lead you.
I will look after everything."

My words gave him courage and confidence. He has been continuing
his work with enthusiasm. Where can he go if he relinquishes the
post? He will have to go somewhere else and do Thapas (penance).
What is penance? Simply spending time, doing nothing is not
penance. Simply sitting at a place and reciting "Rama, Rama,
Krishna, Krishna" is also not penance. Real penance lies in doing
good work constantly, having good thoughts always and developing
good qualities in oneself. Leaving one's home, going to forest,
doing Shirshasana (standing on one's head) and publicizing, "I am
doing penance", is not at all penance. It is indeed false penance.
Foster love in your heart; talk lovingly; do all work with love.
Be in love. This is real penance. The teachers of Alike and
Muddenahalli are doing real penance (loud prolonged applause).
This is how these schools produce students with purity of heart. I
am happy to see all these students who have come here for the
function. Today small children came to the dais and spoke
beautifully. They gave a beautiful description of the Atma.
Especially one high school boy spoke with heart full of love. What
a sincere feelings he has! I am really delighted. That is real
Vidya. I often tell the authorities of our Institute to give
topmost priority to the boys of Alike and Muddenahalli while
making selection for our colleges. Sometimes, these students may
lag behind a little in Jagath Sathya (worldly knowledge). But they
know Atma Sathya (Atmic knowledge) very well. I am always telling
everyone here not to leave them. Here, a little boy spoke with
feeling of love. He expressed his love for Me in beautiful words.
I am very much pleased. It is what I want. I do not want that you
come forward to offer the whole world to Me. I want your love.
Give me your love. This is enough for Me. The seed of love should
sprout in the field of your heart. Later on, it will grow into a
Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree). Then the world
will flourish.

Students!

You have to follow the instructions of your parents. Mathru Devo
Bhava, Pithru Devo Bhava (Revere your mother and father as God).
You have come from your parents. Mother is the maker of your
fortune. She is responsible for your progress. Don't act against
her wishes. Don't oppose her words. Treat your mother with love.
Then you will get your mother's grace. Mother is Lokamatha (mother
of the universe), Jaganmatha (mother of the world). Don't think
that she is related to your body only. She is the Jaganmatha who
has come in the form of your mother. Gangadhara Bhat served his
mother tenderly and lovingly. As a result of his sincere service
to his mother, he got Swami. That is why Swami has kept him so
near and dear. (loud applause)

Our Narasimha Murthy (now Warden,
Brindavan) came to Prasanthi Nilayam and took charge as Warden.
One day, he came to Me and said, "Swami, my mother is serious. She
has cancer." I asked him, "Foolish boy! You are telling me, mother
is serious. Which mother? That is your body's mother. Body's
mother is not permanent. You take hold of the permanent mother,
eternal mother." After some days, he came to Me again and said,
"Swami, mother passed away." I comforted Narasimha Murthy and
said, "Narasimha Murthy, stay here itself. Don't leave
Puttaparthi. This is your birthplace. Swami is your mother. I will
look after everything." Narasimha Murthy's mother was a noble
soul. She whould often say, "Narasimha Murthy, even in adverse
situations, don't go away from Swami. Stay with Him always." (loud
applause). All mothers are suffused with love principle. They pray
to so many gods and goddesses for the well-being and progress of
their children. Try to understand your mother's selfless love. All
should look after their mothers lovingly.

The study of the Vedas is the
highest type of learning since it leads to the conquest of death.
All other studies deal with the means of living or the
surroundings within which you have to live; they deal with earning
and spending, deriving a little pleasure by this trick, escaping a
little grief by that other trick. The Vedas show the path to the
realm of eternal bliss, where there is no birth or death.- Baba